Karnataka Issues Covid Advisory as Bengaluru Records 32 of State's 35 Cases; 9-Month-Old Among Infected
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health Department has issued a public advisory following a gradual increase in Covid-19 cases reported in Bengaluru over the last 20 days.
State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed that of the 35 Covid-19 cases reported in Karnataka so far this year, 32 are from Bengaluru alone.
"This year we have seen 35 Covid-19 cases so far in Karnataka, of which 32 are from Bengaluru," Minister Rao said on Friday. He added, "However, a gradual increase has been observed in the last 20 days, though no serious situation has been reported."
Emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, Minister Rao urged citizens to adopt Covid-appropriate behaviour. "It is therefore advisable that general public must comply with Covid-19 appropriate behaviour proactively," he said.
Specific precautionary advice has also been given for vulnerable groups. "It is advised that pregnant women, children, immuno-compromised persons and those with comorbid conditions wear face masks while visiting crowded areas," the Minister added.
He also recommended basic hygiene practices to curb the spread of the virus. "Steps like using hand sanitizers may also be followed," Rao said.
Highlighting the need for early detection and containment, the Minister said, "Those with Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) must consider getting tested for Covid-19 for timely treatment and to check further spread of Covid-19."
Amid the rising cases, a nine-month-old infant has tested positive for Covid-19 in Bengaluru, according to health department officials. The baby tested positive through a Rapid Antigen Test on May 22.
Officials confirmed that the infant, who hails from Hoskote on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is stable and undergoing treatment at Vani Vilas Hospital.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Central government to take immediate preventive action in response to the uptick in Covid-19 cases across the country.
Addressing reporters on Friday morning, the Chief Minister said, "There is a possibility of rising Covid-19 cases here as well. The Central government must make swift decisions and take precautionary measures in light of the increasing cases."
Citing international trends, he added, "The Central government has not taken steps to test travellers arriving from abroad," referring to the recent rise in infections in countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
The advisory and warnings come as Karnataka gears up to avoid another large-scale outbreak, urging the public to remain cautious despite the absence of a critical situation.
(with inputs from IANS)